Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre

6 Jun

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Nicholas Hytner’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre is a bold and joyous reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Playful, immersive, and visually spectacular, it captures the spirit of the original while embracing a thoroughly modern sensibility.

Set in a magical forest, mischievous fairies interfere with the tangled romances of a group of Athenians. Arlene Phillips’ movement direction is a standout with the fairies floating ethereally above the audience on aerial silk slings, weaving through Bruno Poet’s colourful, kaleidoscopic lighting. It’s beautifully choreographed, with aerial acrobatics set to Beyoncé creating a thrilling, unexpected highlight. Even the interval features the fairies performing in midair in a delightfully theatrical touch.

On the ground, Bunny Christie’s inventive set design transforms the in-the-round theatre playing space. Automated platforms rise, beds fly, and the space constantly evolves thanks to the hard-working ushers, who move set pieces around the space alongside guiding the standing audience through the action as well. The costumes by Christina Cunningham further enrich the aesthetics of the production. The Fairies dazzle in colourful sparkles and feathers, while the mortals appear in subdued, neutral tones in a neat visual juxtaposition.

Hytner’s real success lies in how he bridges the Shakespearean language with contemporary humour. Nowhere is this more effective than in the play-within-a-play subplot, featuring a band of hilariously reluctant thespians peppering their scenes with pop culture references and modern phrasing. It’s smart, silly, and irresistibly fun.

Kate Waters’ fight direction brings physical comedy to the fore, especially in the riotous scuffles between the confused lovers, whose jealous antics and exaggerated brawls add great momentum and laughter to the second act.

The cast is strong across the board, with Emmanuel Akwafo, as the hysterical Bottom, and David Moorst, as the mischievious Puck, providing standout performances.

By the time the production ends with a full-blown dance party (complete with giant inflatables), it’s impossible not to smile and join in with the infectious joy of the show.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the Bridge Theatre until 20th August 2025.

Tickets are available here: A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Bridge Theatre